Monday's thoughts

"The Flat Earth Society"
Thomas Friedman in his book "The World is Flat" has this observation:
"The two greatest dangers we Americans face are an excess of protectionism--excessive fears of another 9/11 that prompt us to wall ourselves in, in search of personal security--and excessive fears of competing in a world of 11/9 that prompt us to wall ourselves off, in search of economic security. Both would be a disaster for us and for the world."

On Pentecost Sunday, which is next Sunday; May 31st, the disciples met to celebrate a harvest festival and they were impacted by the Holy Spirit. People spoke in different languages but everyone understood. It was a time like our time without the clarity of understanding. Is it possible for people to speak in their own language and for understanding to happen?

That is what a present day Pentecost could and should become. Can the Christian faith enter into conversation with people of other faith traditions? Is it possible for clarity amid the confusion? Do we not have an important role and seeing to it that it happens?

This sermon will have us look toward the future and to isolate the unique responsibility the Christian Church and the United Methodist Church has today. We will think about the world as it is and as we would like it to be. We will consider what we can do, here in Fort Collins, and how the dialogue that begins here will have consequence beyond us.

What do you think the role of the church should be today with regard to interfaith dialogue? If you have thoughts on this subject write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your thoughts click on the box below.

I look forward to hearing from you.


Charles Schuster